CNLP 515 | Jim Burgen and Jesse DeYoung on the Anatomy of Toxic Church Leadership, Church Growth and Identity, and How Leadership Crushes You
Aug 23, 2022
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Jim Burgen, Lead Pastor of Flatirons Community Church, and Jesse DeYoung, Executive Lead Pastor, candidly share their experiences with toxic church leadership. They discuss the overwhelming pressures of church growth and its toll on personal identity. Burnout surfaces as a major topic, highlighting the importance of transparency and support within leadership roles. Both guests emphasize their journeys towards healthier, more humble leadership, detailing the transformative power of sabbaticals and community connection.
Jim Burgen candidly discusses how toxic leadership culture at Flatirons Church profoundly impacted both his identity and the organization.
The importance of transparency and accountability is highlighted as essential for rebuilding trust and fostering a humble leadership approach.
Humility and vulnerability are emphasized as critical attributes for leaders to recognize and rectify past toxic leadership styles.
Church growth should be balanced with personal values and staff well-being, prioritizing a healthy environment over mere expansion.
Deep dives
The Importance of Addressing Toxic Church Culture
Leaders of churches often face the challenge of navigating toxic culture within their organizations. When issues arise, such as pastores falling from grace or creating unhealthy environments, it becomes essential to recognize the signs of a toxic culture. Addressing these matters head-on can lead to solutions that not only fix the environment but also encourage personal growth and healing among leaders and congregations alike. The conversation stresses the need for transparency and accountability to foster a healthier atmosphere for all involved.
The Journey of Redemption and Accountability
In the episode, Jim Bergen shares his harrowing experience of facing the consequences of toxic leadership within his church. After a six-month sabbatical due to a leadership crisis, Jim returned to confront not only his past mistakes but also to apologize to his staff and make amends. This act of accountability is pivotal to rebuilding trust among team members and creating a culture of humility and growth. The importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and being willing to change is emphasized as a key to redemption.
The Role of Humility in Leadership
Humility emerges as a critical attribute for leaders seeking to amend their leadership style and rectify the damage caused by past mistakes. Recognizing when leadership tactics have become toxic is essential, as is understanding the impact on staff and the church community. Leaders must embrace vulnerability and be open to feedback, allowing for personal and organizational growth. By embodying humility, leaders can foster a more supportive and collaborative environment within their teams.
Creating a Healthier Church Culture
To cultivate a healthier culture in a church setting, leaders must shift the focus from individual performance to collaboration and shared responsibility. This includes encouraging open dialogue, allowing for diverse perspectives, and fostering a sense of belonging for all staff members. Establishing clear communication channels and productive feedback mechanisms is vital for creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. Over time, this cultural transformation helps mitigate toxicity and empowers team members to thrive.
Managing Growth Without Compromise
Church growth can create immense pressure on leaders, leading to the risk of burnout and toxic environments if not managed properly. Leaders must recognize that growth should not compromise their personal values or the well-being of their staff and congregation. Establishing healthy dynamics and systems in place to handle exponential growth is essential for long-term sustainability. By prioritizing health over mere expansion, organizations can thrive and foster stronger connections within their community.
Navigating Relationships Post-Crisis
Coming back from a crisis requires leaders to navigate relationships delicately, as trust needs to be rebuilt with their team. Acknowledging the hurt that may have been caused during toxic periods is crucial for moving forward. Facilitating open dialogues and creating opportunities for healing can help resonate with team members feeling uncertain or apprehensive. This process requires patience and the willingness to actively listen to those directly affected by past actions.
The Healing Power of Community
A strong community can serve as a support system during the challenging times leaders encounter, particularly after experiencing a leadership crisis. Engaging with other leaders through networking, coaching, or mentoring can offer valuable insights and foster accountability. By connecting with others who have faced similar challenges, leaders can gain perspectives, resources, and encouragement for their journey. Ultimately, surrounding oneself with trustworthy peers can help sustain personal growth and foster resilience.
The Path to Long-Term Leadership Success
Leaders must embrace continuous learning and adaptation to maintain long-term success in their organizations. This involves recognizing that leadership is not a destination but an ongoing journey that requires humility, openness, and vulnerability. By committing to personal growth and fostering an environment that prioritizes collaboration and shared values, leaders can create healthier cultures that benefit their teams and communities alike. Ultimately, the journey is as important as the destination, and investing in both is crucial for impactful leadership.
Flatirons Church Lead Pastor, Jim Burgen, and Executive Pastor, Jesse DeYoung, talk candidly and openly about how a toxic leadership culture developed at Flatirons, how Jim ended up fusing church size and growth with his personal identity, how the weight of leading a large church became crushing, the impact of a forced sabbatical, and how Jim came back to a different, healthier and more humble kind of leadership. Get more on this episode by going to https://careynieuwhof.com/episode515.
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